FAQ
How big are your T-shirt sizes?
- Youth Small
- Youth Medium
- Youth Large
- Adult Small
- Adult Medium
- Adult Large
- Adult XL
Youth shirt sizing chart
Adult shirt sizing chart
Do I need to buy Before Care or After Care for each day that I need an early drop-off or late pick-up?
The purchase of Before Care or After Care provides the use of this extended care option for the full week of camp for one camper. If registering for multiple camp weeks where these add-on options are needed for early drop-off or late pick-up, be sure to include them in the purchase for each camp session and each camper. Parents are able to call 216.635.3391 and add this onto their existing booking after their initial purchase.
After registration, what information will I receive?
Your registration confirmation page will automatically be e-mailed to you. Please be sure to retain this page as it contains your Booking ID Number. If registering using a paper form, your confirmation page will be mailed to you.
Who do I contact to discuss special accommodation, special care/medical concerns, or the administration of topical or oral prescription/non-prescription medication for my camper?
Please refer to the Participant Health Records section of the Parents' Guide for details or call the Registration Office (216.635.3391),
I'm on the waitlist, now what? How long do I wait until I hear if my camper will get into camp?
Waiting times will vary. Once waitlists are activated, camp spots only become available when another registered family moves their camper into a different week of camp with availability or withdraws their camp enrollment completely. Families on the waitlist will be notified by email to verify if they are still interested in the open spot and want to proceed with the camp registration process. The Zoo cannot guarantee that openings will become available.
Will my camper have an opportunity to help an animal keeper?
For the safety of all, direct contact with exhibit animals is not possible. Please refer to the Activities section of the Parents’ Guide for additional information.
Can I come into camp with my camper on Monday morning?
Yes, you are welcome to accompany your camper into the Zoo. During drop-off and pick-up, we ask that you park your car in the designated Summer Day Camp Parking Area and escort your camper into camp. Here you will be able to meet your camper’s camp counselor and ask any questions that you might have.
Please take into consideration that camp staff will monitor the number of individuals inside the camp area and may ask you to wait at the camp entrance to avoid crowding at camp check-in and check-out tables. We ask for your patience, as this may cause longer lines and some delays entering the camp area.
What is your refund policy?
Program fees and deposits are non-refundable. Participants assume risk of all changes in personal health and affairs. With advanced notice of one week prior to the scheduled program date, the program may be rescheduled for free to a new date pending inventory/availability before the end of the following calendar year with a maximum of one (1) reschedule move. Rescheduling requests will not be honored for “no-shows” and requests submitted with less than a week’s notice, will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
If Cleveland Metroparks Zoo finds it necessary to cancel a program, a refund or internal education program credit will be issued. Registrants will be notified if programs are cancelled. By registering for a program, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this policy.
Can siblings and/or friends be registered in the same group?
Registrations are processed on a first come, first served basis. As classes may fill quickly, the Zoo cannot guarantee that your camper and their same-aged friend will be placed together. If your registration is completed online, please indicate your preference when prompted. If your registration is completed on paper, please mail your camper’s forms together with their friend’s forms. We will do our best to accommodate you.
Does my camper need to bring a lunch?
Full-day campers are responsible for bringing their own lunch and beverage. Half-day campers do not need to bring a lunch, as they leave camp prior to lunch time. Please refer to the Lunch Guidelines section of the Parents’ Guide for additional information.
Where do I find my Booking ID Number?
Your Booking ID Number is located on your confirmation page. You must have the Booking ID Number for any camper that you are picking up.
Can my camper attend camp for more than one session?
Yes, your camper may attend for multiple sessions; however, each session is treated as a separate order. Please complete separate forms for each session in which you are registering.
Where should I drop off my camper if we arrive after 9:00 a.m.?
Up until 9:00 a.m., drop off takes place in the designated Summer Day Camp Parking Area of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. If you arrive after that time, please check in at the Zoo Guest Resource Center located just inside the Main Entrance, to the left, across from the Gift Shop. Our staff there will radio camp and wait for further instructions regarding how best we can connect your camper with their group.
Why must I park my car and escort my camper into camp?
- We ask that when arriving to or departing from camp, your car is parked in the designated Summer Day Camp Parking and your camper is walked to and from the registration tables. These policies have been made in an effort to ensure your camper’s safety and to make Summer Day Camp both more personable and more environmentally friendly.
- Parking and turning off your car eliminates time spent idling, which reduces car emissions, making Summer Day Camp a greener place to be.
- By taking a moment to park your car, it will also help to alleviate the pressures of heavy traffic on Free Mondays throughout the summer.
- Escorting your camper to registration allows you, not only the opportunity to meet your camper’s camp counselor before Day Camp even begins, but to ask any lingering questions that you might have.
- For complete details, see the Arrival/Departure Procedures in the Parents’ Guide.
- Half Day and Full Day pick up locations are subject to change due to construction. You will receive the most up to date parking and pick up information in your camp reminder email. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we make improvements to the Zoo.
What should I do if my camper will be absent?
My camper has a doctor’s appointment and needs to leave early. Is this possible?
If your camper will be absent or will need to leave early, please contact the Registration Office at 216.635.3391.
Are there discounts available for registering multiple campers or registering for multiple sessions?
The only discount available is for Cleveland Zoological Society Members. See above Cost section.
Can my camper bring a backpack, additional clothes, water bottle, or camera to camp?
Your camper will be responsible for carrying all items. Please refer to the Do’s and Don’ts section of the Parents’ Guide.
Is it possible for someone else to pick up my camper from camp?
For campers participating in car pools, the vehicle that picks up the campers must have the Booking ID Numbers for each camper to be picked up, or the campers will not be released. This is done to ensure the safety of your camper.
How do you select your camp counselors?
In addition to being the best of the applicant pool, camp counselors are subject to criminal background checks and drug screening. They must be at least 15 years of age and are required to submit three letters of recommendation.